hummingbird3172's Blog at GardenStew.com

Annuals to Grow Again

hummingbird3172 — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 15:01:58 -0400

Author: hummingbird3172
Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 7:01 pm (GMT 0)

Like many other gardeners I try to limit the number of annuals that I put in my garden. It is nice to not have to worry about starting seeds and caring for tiny seedlings....BUT this year I discovered some new-to-me types that will be a MUST for next year!

Decor Zinnias- I can not praise them enough! The plants are HUGE sprawling shrubs almost with stems thicker than my thumb! The flowers are coral or chartreuse and perfect for cutting. On the coral flowered plants some flowers are as big as my hand. One of the coral colored ones has a flower that is almost a rich rose...so pretty. The chartruese are a little less vigorous but the flowers are so full and so pretty, they completely outshine the green envy type I've also planted.

Grandpa Ott's Morning Glories- Another WOW! One tiny plant has grown to envelop this entire stump (see above picture, behind zinnias). The vines have wrapped around themselves to form a 2 inch thick rope. Every day it is covered profusely with velvety electric purple blossoms. BTW, I fertilized mine and it hasn't hurt the blooming one bit!

This is supposed to be a perennial where I live, but for most it is an annual....Moonflowers! Mine are finally starting to bloom...the buds look like soft serve ice cream cones and in the evening open into giant trumpets with a beautiful fragrance. My husband and I decided they smell like fresh clean laundry...kind of a clean cotton scent. The vine is pretty on it's own...heart shaped green leaves and stems of purple.

I will also always grow Cosmos. I knew I loved them...the tall stately plants with feathery leaves and stems...but I tried a new one...Candy stripe..and I love them! They come in striped pink, or pink edged white...both pretty, but I think I like the white the best.

No matter what, I know I will be growing these annuals again. I am separating the Decor zinnias by color so I can try to grow the green ones instead of the Envy variety.

If you can find these types I would highly recommend them. It is very hot and humid here and they have all performed like champs!

Meet Copper, the Beagle Pup

hummingbird3172 — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 14:42:42 -0400

Author: hummingbird3172
Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 6:42 pm (GMT 0)

I've just been so busy lately! One of the reasons is that we have just gotten a new Beagle pup! The kids have named him "Copper" after the hound from Disney's "The Fox and the Hound". He is settling in well...pretty good on the housebreaking part. I've never had a Beagle before. My dh had one growing up. I had a hound mix growing up, so I have some experience with hounds.

This pup is pretty smart, but can be quite vocal (which I am learning is true in Beagles). He does really want to please so this helps with the training. He is so loving and playful! I've gotten him to play fetch, and he is learning to sit. He already knows the word "No" which helps when he starts to try and pull up my ferns!

Bursting with Butterflies!

hummingbird3172 — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 16:14:39 -0400

Author: hummingbird3172
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2007 8:14 pm (GMT 0)

Over the weekend I had my queen and a monarch emerge!

This is a queen on my Empire Blue butterfly bush....

I always seem to catch them immediately after they emerge..they must be doing it at the crack of dawn!

Here is what the queen looked like...BEFORE:

If you notice, you can actually see the butterfly inside the chrysalis. The chrysalis turns from apple green to black...when you look closely you can see the markings on the butterfly inside. The chrysalis looks milky here because of the camera flash. This is the actual color but it appears black in normal lighting.

Today I had THREE monarchs emerge. I always gently remove them from the "cage" and place them on a nectar plant outside so they can get some refreshment after their wings dry. Here is a picture of two of the three:

This morning I had three more monarchs pupate and I have 5 more getting ready to, they are starting to hang upside down. I've got so many monarch cats outside that I have started bringing them in only when they get close (they are huge and spend less time eating).

I've also got three gulf frit cats growing, they don't seem to grow quite as fast as the monarchs, but one is about a week away I think.

So as you can see, these little guys are keeping me busy.

Hypertufa Garden Art--Mouth of Truth

hummingbird3172 — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 13:17:09 -0400

Author: hummingbird3172
Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 5:17 pm (GMT 0)

First I was inspired by Bethie to make hypertufa heads, with which I have really enjoyed experimenting. Then I saw the movie Pan's Labyrinth and I got inspired from the spooky statues.

One made me think of the large face from the movie "Roman Holiday", the Bocca Della Verita, Mouth of Truth. Do you remember it? Gregory Peck pretends it has bitten off his fingers?
http://www.world66.com/europe/italy/lazio/rome/sights/laboccadellaveritthemouthoftruth

The actual face is huge! It's over 5 ft in diameter!

I decided to make my own smaller one using one of my favorite new (to me) medium, hypertufa.

The hypertufa mixture I use is a little different, I ran out of peat so I decided to try and make it without. I use 1 part vermiculite to 1 part portland cement. I add enough water to make a clay like mixture.

First you need a mold and I've found that the oil drip pans you can get at the auto stores work great (also nice for a birdbath).

I've sprayed mine with nonstick cooking spray...like a cake pan.

Next you place your hypertufa mixture...patting each layer solidly down. Until you get the thickness you want. I'd say at least 2 inches thick.

Push in two eye screws into the setting hypertufa

so you can create a wire hanger later. You can do whatever you want here...even make a wire hanger stuck into the hypertufa.

Now you should let your hypertufa dry for at least 5 hours. It can dry more, but it might be a bit harder to carve, but will be less likely to break.

You turn out your hypertufa circle and this is what you will have:

You will need to have a sketch or print out of the actual Bocca Della Verita to help guide you.

Scratch out where you want his eyes, mouth and features. Use a knife and create eye holes and a squareish mouth hole.

Mix up a small amount of hypertufa and start to add a forehead, cheeks, nose, and build the hair and beard up a bit.

Allow to dry for a few hours and then go back and fine tune the features.

As he dries he will get lighter and lighter because the vermiculite weighs next to nothing.

Run a piece of wire between the eye screws to make a hanger.

Hang on a fence or wall! This one really freaks out the kids!

You could really create any kind of face this way. It was so easy that I really wanted to share. I can't wait to hang him on my back fence!

Frit's Emergence, Monarch Pupas, and a Crazy Garden Man

hummingbird3172 — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 11:40:14 -0400

Author: hummingbird3172
Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 3:40 pm (GMT 0)

Well, this morning I came down to discover that my Gulf Fritillary Pupa, Frit, had finally emerged from his (her) chrysalis.

The wings were still a bit damp, so I carefully removed the butterfly and placed it on my Empire Blue butterfly bush.

About an hour later he flew away. I just love the vibrancy of a brand new butterfly. The wings are just so rich looking.

Last night was a busy night full of changes! The remaining 3 monarchs have pupated next to their sibling. I guess they thought it was a great spot. The 1st one to pupate is the more blueish green color. It should be a busy time when they all emerge!

I was so inspired by Bethie's hypertufa faces that I decided to try and make one. I kept trying to make a very handsome lady...with kind of a Greek or Roman look, but instead I got this crazy looking Garden Man. The freaky thing is that he looks slightly familiar...a bit like my grandfather, and a bit like dh's grandfather, both have passed away. My husband can't even look at it without cracking up. I've planted some variegated lirope in his head and then little pieces of this "weed" that keeps popping up, but I like it's blue flowers.

I am looking forward to making more!

I decided to buy a different plant for my new garden bed. I was planning on a night blooming jasmine Cestrum nocturnum but ended up getting a tibouchina. I love the fuzzy leaves and the large purple flowers. I am trying to incorporate more tropicals into my landscape since they are readily available and should thrive in this climate. I saw lots of these at Islands of Adventure (Universal Studios) and wondered what they were. Now I have my own. The leaves are nice, like tropical lambs ears.

Here is the tibouchina:

The trellis behind is where my Ruby Glow passionflower will go...I think the bright fuschia and deep purple will look nice near this tibouchina.

Queen Caterpillar is a Chrysalis!

hummingbird3172 — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 16:53:29 -0400

Author: hummingbird3172
Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 8:53 pm (GMT 0)

I had a feeling the change would come soon and last night at bedtime the caterpillar was on the "bar" hanging upside down. This morning it was still "in position" and right before my eyes it began to swing and gyrate.

Forgive these pictures, but the silhouette is visible:

In the picture below you can see the shed caterpillar skin up near the top of the chrysalis which is a gorgeous apple green.

Last night one of the monarch caterpillars went after another and killed it. They are voracious and I think all four remaining are about ready for the big change.

I moved the fritillary chrysalis to a nice big jar so hopefully I can get some photos when our pretty butterfly emerges. I've christened it Frit and Frit should be emerging sometime tomorrow. I'll be watching closely!
Frittillary Chrysalis

I've got some flowers blooming too so Frit will have lots of nectar when it emerges.

White Swan Echinacea

Here are two pics of those Decor Zinnias...I really do love them, the coral and the charteuse:

And my peach passion sunflowers:
.

Passionflowers...again

hummingbird3172 — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 00:02:56 -0400

Author: hummingbird3172
Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 4:02 am (GMT 0)

I've got to get this passionflower addiction under control..... I found out that my passiflora is a Imperiatrice Eugenie....

I couldn't remember what type and then I finally found a picture. Then I found this site called www.georgiavines.com and I was really in trouble. I just bought the p. triloba. It is supposed to be a HUGE vine up to 30 ft....and FRAGRANT.

Link to p. triloba:

http://www.gkexoticplants.com/passiflora/P._triloba_front.jpg

I think my back garden is going to smell like a bordello, what with the nightblooming jasmine, moonflowers, mandevilla, star jasmine, and now extremely fragrant p. triloba.

I'm working on getting a ruby glow passionflower. The magenta petals with purple filaments look quite striking. I'm planning to put it on a trellis to hide the pool pump. In front of that I have a raised bed where I'm putting the night blooming jasmine. I need to think of something to plant in front of that.

A link to a picture of Ruby Glow:
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/53806/

All the flowers in the back garden are in shades of pink, blue, purple, white, and chartreuse. I am more of a "cottage" garden person, but I am starting to slip more and more tropicals in. Alot of the cottage type flowers just don't seem to like our humidity and heat. I try and fight it, but it kind of depresses me watching my lavender plants rotting before my eyes. Two are hanging in there, but I don't know if they have long to live.

I'm also trying to get some Aristolochia (dutchman's pipe) vines growing. I've got the seeds and now I'm playing the game of waiting for them to germinate. These are kind of weird flower...they remind me of a pitcher plant, but swallowtail butterflies use them as a host.
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/59261/

I've also got some bananna passionvine seeds germinating (I hope)...the flower is such a pretty pink...with a green center. This is my second try...I hope I can get them going.

http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/1561/

Birds,Blooms, Bugs, and a Toadgloo

hummingbird3172 — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 08:08:53 -0400

Author: hummingbird3172
Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 12:08 pm (GMT 0)

The other day I had some interesting bird feeder guests arrive. They have been to dinner before and always like to come up and see what I am doing:

These are sandhill cranes. They are very curious and although they are quite big, they are very gentle. They are fascinated in my 2 year old daughter. Maybe because they are such great parents themselves. They came to greet us the day we moved in, and from time to time they stop by. They'll eat bird seed off the ground, peanuts, and they like a bit of bread. I try to give them a hearty whole wheat to give them a more nutritious snack. They don't gorge themselves on the bread, but seem to enjoy it as more of a treat, and to be social.

I've got some new blooms that are very pleasing to me!

This is a Peach Passion Sunflower. I will be growing these again! They are so sturdy and have branching flowers! Some to cut and some to leave on the plant!

This is a bloom from my Blue Fortune agastache. It doesn't look like much I guess, but it's the first from the plant. I read the flowers taste like rootbeer, and what do you know? They do!

This is my 6 year old's Zinnia. It's a Burpeana Giant that he planted from a seed.

This pretty rain lily opened this morning. I am glad I got to get a picture, because our hot Florida sun will fade it very quickly to a pale pink.

If you remember my "Weary Traveler" story then you might like to see one of her offspring!

I've brought this little guy inside to make sure he gets all the TLC. There are still a few others out there but I think something has eaten a few of them because there are less now.

Also, my gulf frittilary pupated on Saturday...I actually got to see it happen this time, I wish the pictures were better, but here's one with it happening:

I've been getting more and more butterfly visitors! This is a peacock butterfly and it might be a male because this is what I've read: The male of the species displays a unique territorial behaviour, in which they stake out a territory typically 15 metres in diameter that contains larval host plants. They perch in this area and aggressively protect it from other insects and other male white peacocks. He's spent the night on our covered front porch and has been right next to my butterfly area for about 20 hours! I haven't seen him chasing other butterflies, but it might be interesting if he does!

I found these weird little "caterpillars" on my milkweed plant when I was looking for monarch caterpillars:

Somehow they don't quite look like caterpillars, and I found a pupa:

Now this pupa doesn't look like a butterfly or moth pupa. It looked like a fly pupa to me. I found out there is a kind of fly called a Syrphid fly that eats aphids. I had been having some aphid issues on this plant, but lately I'd noticed much less. So these little "caterpillars" are maggots! Yuck, right? Well, they are prettier than maggots and they are helping my aphid problem so they are welcome to stay! I brought the pupa in so I can see it hatch, but the monarch caterpillar ate it...I guess he was hungry!

I got a little rubber ball at the dollar store and I was going to try and make a hypertufa sphere shaped planter, but somehow I started forming something else......a Toadgloo. I've filled it with a thick layer of soft dirt for a nice bed for the toad. I think it looks very quaint, like a little hobbit hole. I actually prefer this look to my other toad house....very natural!

Today I want to try and mount my bird bath on the stump. The stump is uneven and what we need is a chainsaw to even it, but we aren't ready to buy it yet. So I think I am going to use hypertufa to build it up to even it out. This should be interesting!

Creatures with Wings

hummingbird3172 — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 12:46:05 -0400

Author: hummingbird3172
Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 4:46 pm (GMT 0)

The butterflies have started to come and bring a little of their magic to my garden. Some are too fast to catch in a photo, the Orange Sulphur was one of these speedy butterflies with a crazy flight pattern. I don't think I'd seen one of those up close before, very pretty.

Now I REALLY love this one:

I have never noticed these before, but I was pretty sure it was a Painted Lady, that was a guess, but I looked it up and "YAY!", I was right. I actually prefer the outer wings with the soft lacy browns, a hint of violet dots and a coral blush on the upper wing. The inner wings are pretty too and remind me of calico fabric. It was really enjoying the zinnias that my 6 year old planted.

The Gulf Fritillaries really enjoy this passionvine. I don't see many large caterpillars so I think the lizards are eating them when they are small. I usually will bring them in to help them get big in safety....sometimes lizards are TOO helpful.

Still waiting on the hummers, but my hanging hummingbird garden a.k.a. hanging basket of cardinal climber, is getting closer to blooming...I really hope that brings them in.

I got inspired when a saw Bethie's gorgeous mosaic birdbath. I've always wanted to really get into mosaic, but the stained glass is hard to come by around here...I work with glass rods so that doesn't help me either. So I made a hypertufa birdbath....I used an oil pan...I pushed a plate into the center to create a nice solid nonporous bottom...the plate was $1 at the Dollar Tree. It is a very earth plate and I made a very earthy birdbath to go with it. I pushed pebbles into the edges to give the birds something to grip on when the climb out.

As it dries and cures it will look better...it is going to go on top of the palm stump out front....the morning glories are starting to engulf it...this will look pretty peeking out through the leaves.

I saw a picture online of a birdhouse made with a flower pot so I was determined to make my own...

The hardest part was enlarging the hole...I used my Dremel tool, but I think there must be a better way, it looks like I chewed it. I decided to paint it to kind of hide the ugly hole...the painting looks cute in kind of a whimsical retro look. I glued the pot (with gorilla glue) to a board and then hung it up....I don't know if birds will really go for it, but it does look pretty in the corner.

Still inspired by the mosaic, and then I found a book about PAPER mosaic...I think this might be a good starting point for me! I decided to paint some paper to make it look like stained glass, the paper came out nice, and then I glued it to posterboard. Now I am starting to place the "tiles" on my birdhouse that I first painted black. I am very excited about this. Once it is completed I will give it many coatings of spar urethane so that it looks like tile or glass...I can't wait to finish!

Disturbing Evidence

hummingbird3172 — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 13:08:42 -0400

Author: hummingbird3172
Posted: Sun Jun 24, 2007 5:08 pm (GMT 0)

When I went out my front door today I found something quite disturbing: a pile of feathers. The incident occurred right in front of one of my feeders. I can tell from the feathers that the victim was a mockingbird, and from the sheer number of feathers I do feel that foul play was involved. I didn't see any blood or any other signs of the bird so I have a small hope that he escaped.

This mockingbird is the most belligerent fellow. He is extremely possessive of the feeder, even though HE doesn't eat bird seed. This feeder has two baskets for suet on either side and that is what he loves. I make a special mixture that they really seem to enjoy. He always likes to sit in the tree out front watching the feeder, I haven't seen him this morning. He's hated by the blue jays, grackles, titmice, and cardinals...it almost makes me wonder if they set him up?

A main suspect in this crime would be the neighbor's cat, whom I call "Smokey", he's the nicest cat, but is allowed to roam free and he spends a lot of time here. I've never seen him stalking the birds, but HE'S a CAT!

The next suspect would be a hawk, I've seen them around and have on occassion seen them making a meal of a songbird (usually doves).

We've also got bald eagles that roost across the street...so they could be suspects, but I know they prefer fish.

I don't think I'll ever know, but I'm hoping I see my friend around, maybe a little less feathered, but alive and well. I'll miss his scolding and chasing the other birds.

A Visit from a Weary Traveler

hummingbird3172 — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 22:59:44 -0400

Author: hummingbird3172
Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2007 2:59 am (GMT 0)

She floated into the garden, gracefully gliding, and restlessly searching, her body heavy with eggs. Her wings, faded and battered, had seen better days. She had traveled many miles, looking for the perfect place to lay her precious eggs.
She circled around me twice, her silken wings brushing lightly against my hair like a whisper soft kiss. I felt a thrill of joy because I had been planning for her arrival for months. I walked over to one of my Asclepias bushes and she followed behind, gracefully circling and surveying the flowers around us.
Then she saw it, the object of her search, the stately Asclepias bush with flowers like little chalices of sweet nectar. Although she was most certainly weary with hunger, she paused to lay several tiny eggs beneath the leaves before she finally took a moment to refresh herself.

She hungrily fed, her slender proboscis delicately dipping into each flower, and rested her tired wings. As soon as she regained a bit of her energy she continued to lay her eggs underneath the leaves. She would lay a few eggs and then circle the garden bed, admiring the coneflowers, then the marigolds, everything seeming to make her very pleased. I've never so much felt the happiness of a butterfly, but in this case I could say she was joyful, her very flight changing and becoming more excited. She would feed, lay eggs, and then come back and circle me, which I took as a "Thank you, for being here".

I wanted her to see my other Asclepias bushes so I walked over to them, and again she followed me and quickly found them. She spent at least an hour inspecting the garden, always returning to the Asclepias. She seemed to take such enjoyment out her visit to my garden, even pausing to take a sip from my hummingbird feeder.

It was a moment of magic, a connection with nature, and the driving force behind my choices in my plants. This poor tired butterfly who needed me as much as I needed her. I love gardening because of the bond it creates between nature and me.

I plant a lot of plants because their appearance pleases ME, but many of my plants are chosen because of the wildlife it might attract. I realize in about two weeks, these Asclepias will be quite a ragged sight, but it will be all worth it to have more beautiful monarch butterflies visiting my garden this summer.

Reasons Why Hummingbirds Should visit ME

hummingbird3172 — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 21:56:49 -0400

Author: hummingbird3172
Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 1:56 am (GMT 0)

We have been at this house for almost a year, but I have yet to attract a hummingbird here. I religiously clean and refill my feeders each week, but I've yet to spot one of the little devils visiting.

Here are reasons that a hummingbird should consider visiting MY yard.

1. I've got a hummingbird tattoo on my right ankle...I got it in a moment of madness, but immediately the next day I had a hummingbird visitor at my last house. (I don't think I want another tattoo though....)

2. I've planted trumpet vines for them, and plan to train the vines over a large arbor.....

3. I've planted 8 hummingbird mint (agastache) plants, and have more coming from seeds.

4. I have many vines with tubular or cup shaped flowers, mandevilla,jasmine, cathedral bells and morning glories.

5. I have two lovely hummingbird feeders, one in the front yard and one in the back.

6. I just bought and planted 7 Cestrum plants called "Bacchus" they have tubular wine red flowers. I moved all my gardenias and hydrangeas so that I will have a hedge of these...just for the hummingbirds.

7. I have planted a hanging basket with cardinal vine...to create a hanging hummingbird garden.

8. I have all kinds of subtle hummingbird themed garden art...windchimes, garden stakes, thermometer...just to give them the hint.

9. If they would visit me, I'd consider buying them this: http://www.bestnest.com/bestnest/RTProduct.asp?SKU=PAR-CHB , a hummingbird feeder chandelier, to hang beneath the arbor.

10. Just because!

If they don't show when the cestrum blooms I don't know what else I can do.

I blew it, really. They usually show up here in early to late March...they are here all year round, but more show up in early spring....I was having some health issues and was unable to be as vigilant with filling the feeders....hopefully I don't have to wait until NEXT March!

On a more positive note, I did get a visit from my favorite type of butterfly, a zebra longwing. I hadn't seen any since we moved here and I've planted their larval host plants with hope of a visit...if you plant it, they will come...I hope that is true in the case of the hummers too.

Unmolded Mushrooms, Grouted Balls, and a Metallic Green Bee

hummingbird3172 — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 13:48:03 -0400

Author: hummingbird3172
Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2007 5:48 pm (GMT 0)

Unfortunately my smaller mushrooms didn't do as well for the unmolding, but the larger ones look pretty good! I know what to do differently next time.

I used a Mr. Pumice to soften the edges a bit. I think they will look nice in groups with various sizes tucked in shady parts of the garden.

I am very pleased with these balls...they have such sparkle. I want to make some more with earthtone polished pebbles for more of an organic look.

I made the stand with hypertufa...it looks very ancient.

This is the ball that was made with the extra large gems...it makes me think of dragon scales.

While I was out taking pictures a tufted titmouse flew right by me and landed on my bird feeder....I feel lucky to have gottn this picture!

My cat, Shadow looks on longingly. He really wants to catch the birds and the lizards.

I think this lizard is very glad that Shadow is an inside cat.

My Sundown echinacea is looking good! It is being enjoyed by this gorgeous metallic green bee:

The ladybug larva are growing and scattered all over the superbells plant. Hopefully soon I can get some pictures to show how they've changed.

Mushroom Making

hummingbird3172 — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 15:46:09 -0400

Author: hummingbird3172
Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 7:46 pm (GMT 0)

Mushrooms were one of the first projects I wanted to try with hypertufa. I love mushrooms! I especially love the nice stony looking hypertufa mushrooms, covered with a light coating of moss.

I love those tinkling toadstools, but haven't bought any...they are just too expensive and I can't buy just one.....one isn't so expensive but I'd want at least three. I did find a set here:
[url]http://www.earthlygoods.com/garden_whimsy/witchety_toadstools.html#[/url]
I love the earthy colors and they look like they'd sound great!

I've even put mushrooms on some of my beads:

Today, I've been making my hypertufa mushrooms. I did a lot of research online because I was going for a certain look, I want kind of roly poly mushrooms. I made the stems with styrofoam or paper cups and made them a few days in advance. Then when I made the caps I pushed the stems into them. Not sure how they will come out, but I've read of others using this method. The caps were made using very rounded bowls that I got at Dollar Tree for 4/$1. The small caps are made from plastic salsa bowls.

I also tried casting my first leaf...and don't you know I had to go and get myself a great big castor leaf? I know if is likely to be a big crumbly mess, but maybe it will come out....maybe. I used the buff color concrete colorant and plan to do a wash of diluted green acrylic over it (IF it comes out), and then seal it. Right now the color looks quite a bit like cat poo...a big one!

I love leaves and if I can do this well, they I plan to make some inside decorations as well as out.

I've planted an Empress tree and someday it will have pretty large leaves, maybe 2 feet across. I imagine those would be nice...maybe constructed into a fountain....too many ideas, too little time!

Hypertufa Firsts, Ladybug Babies, and Planting Endeavors

hummingbird3172 — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 15:20:00 -0400

Author: hummingbird3172
Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 7:20 pm (GMT 0)

Well, I tried hypertufa again and boy am I pleased! Last week I made a planter. I wanted it to be round and very stone-like. I know I kind of cheated, but after it was dry I soaked it in water with vinegar to help neutralized the alkalinity.

I've put some interesting succulents inside, several types of hens and chicks, burro's tail, bear paws, and some type of sedum (I think). I need to look them up. Some of these things don't usually care for our humidity so I made a special fast draining soil mix to help (I hope). My grandma, who can grow almost anything, but has hen & chick issues, loves hens and chicks, so if I can figure a way to keep them happy then I want to make her one of these for Christmas.

I also plan to work on my mushrooms today and finally grout my balls.

I have been thinking about casting leaves too...the other day I saw some castor plants growing in an empty lot so I think I want to start with one of those leaves.

My cardinal vine is starting to take off in my "Hanging Hummingbird Garden".

I keep rotating the pot to keep the vines growing straight. I can't wait to see some color....and hummingbirds...I hope!

The ladybug eggs are hatching!

This picture shows the little larva as they hatch. They aren't so cute right now, but some day they will be beautiful red ladybugs.

My garden bed is done, well sort of, it needs to fill in. I got so sick of weeding that I laid weed block fabric and mulch...it is an improvement. I am not fond of mulch...I don't like the way it looks, but these weeds are too vigorous to keep up with!

So this is what's growing: Planted by the tall stump, Grandpa Ott MG's, to the left Porter Weed, Butterfly Weed, and Mystic spires salvia. Across the front-orange marigolds and Decor Zinnias (apricot and chartruse). Behind the marigolds and still tiny, Bravado Echinacea, and Anise Hyssop, then sundown echinacea and behind that, a bicolor butterfly bush, and at the very back peach passion sunflowers. All the way to the right: mexican petunia (purple showers), crossandra (orange marmalade), and more salvia. I know it sounds kind of a mess, but should look better when the plants get bigger. The perennials are still pretty small so the annuals will fill in until they reach their proper size.

I've got two hanging baskets done: they contain baby pink and white impatiens and torenia with some tricolor sweet potato vine to fill in. I am not sure I like the way dh hung them, but at least I can reach them and admire the plants at eye level. I am wishing that I'd added kind of a punch of surprise color because the pink and white is a little bland...I may go back and add some bright purple or blue.

Have a great day!

Garden Friends

hummingbird3172 — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 12:40:33 -0400

Author: hummingbird3172
Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2007 4:40 pm (GMT 0)

I found this very large female Cuban Tree Frog the other day after a rain. She is quite enormous! Look, here she is in my hand for perspective:

It is incredible how many beetles and moths these frogs eat each night. This gal has obviously been eating well!

I've been having some aphid issues lately so I have been really wanting to have a some ladybugs visit. I found one sleeping on a palm frond and decided to take it to my problem areas. She did not want to wake up, but finally she noticed the aphids and got busy. While I was looking at the plant I noticed there were FIVE other ladybugs feeding!

Here is an Asian Ladybird Beetle feeding on pesky aphids:

This is an interesting ladybug that I found nearby, it is called the Twice-stabbed Ladybird Beetle (what a name!):

I noticed a very fat ladybug with no spots walking around. I am not 100% sure but she may be the Spotless Ladybird Beetle:

I was absolutely THRILLED to see that a ladybug has been laying eggs so soon we will have reinforcements! I have read that the larva eat even more aphids!

There are several clumps of eggs so I am really pleased! I can't wait to watch the cycle!

Another garden friend, a spiny soldier insect....he'll eat aphids too, but I'd rather NOT smell him....he stinks!

One of the most magical things about having a garden is being able to witness all the life it abundantly holds.

It Hatched!

hummingbird3172 — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 13:14:13 -0400

Author: hummingbird3172
Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 5:14 pm (GMT 0)

Last night when I checked on the chrysalis, I noticed that it was turning black(usually a sign of impending emergence). This morning when I came downstairs I noticed that my cats were WAY to interested in my butterfly "box" . Flapping around inside was a brand new Gulf Fritillary butterfly! I wasn't sure how long it had been hatched, but it was totally dry so it needed to be released very soon. I grabbed my camera, in which of course the batteries were DEAD. I took batteries from the remote control and managed to get this one, very poor photo. I had hoped the butterfly would stick around so I could take a better picture, but he was off and flying before I could get a chance. Here is a picture of the empty chrysalis:

I've collected a new tiny little caterpillar so we can start all over again.

This little guy is about 5mm long! It seems this type of butterfly has a faster metamorphisis than the monarch (It was about 8 days). At least next time I will know when to expect it to hatch.

I found this little fella on the inside screen door handle:

They don't bother me, but my DH is very much afraid of them. Hehehe, I'm leaving the frog here to surprise him. I know, I'm awful, but there is no sound funnier than a grown man screaming like a little girl.

Actually, he is quite mad at them. Now that we are getting wetter weather they've been more active....active as in interested in the opposite sex. We have a pool and they seem to think it is their "Oasis of Love". In the morning we find lots of frog eggs in the pool...which is kind of gross when you want to swim. The eggs are too small to get caught in the net so you have to wait for them to go to the filter. The frogs also get noisy. Their cries of love can sound like a velociraptor from Jurassic Park or like an evil gremlin. Try taking an evening swim and hearing that coming from the bushes! These frogs are an introduced species: Cuban Tree Frogs and they can get quite massive in size. They are voracious eaters, but unfortunately sometimes they eat our smaller native species of tree frogs. We kept one for a pet for awhile and it actually ate itself to death...quite gross. I've been told I should kill them, but I am not good with killing little creatures. I usually try to put them outside the yard. The other problem is that they have toxic secretions in their skin. It makes them undesirable for predators and you do NOT want to get that stuff in your eyes (yes, I know from experience), because it feels like jalepeno pepper oil). If you wash your hands immediately after handling them (which I have always done except that ONE time), there is no problem.

Going off topic just a bit, but I am so pleased that my Grandpa Ott morning glory is blooming!

I think this is the most electric shade of purple that I've ever seen! Can't wait until I have more blooms!!!

Have a great day!

*UPDATE*
Yah! He screamed better than I could have DREAMED! He screamed once when he saw it, and then again when he gingerly tried to open the door and it leapt at him...EXCELLENT!

After the Rain......

hummingbird3172 — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 15:39:36 -0400

Author: hummingbird3172
Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2007 7:39 pm (GMT 0)

We have been under drought conditions for some time but yesterday our rainy season started with a BANG! We got almost 6 inches of rain in just a few hours. Now, you'd think I would be pleased...I don't have to water this morning, but actually it kind of made a mess. My plants ended up kind of dirty because of the water coming down so fast....and my seedlings got very water-logged. I don't think they will be much worse for wear, I've got them in the sun drying. They expect more T-storms and rain today so I will be sheltering them this afternoon.

The wildlife seemed especially perky this a.m. . I think their evening feeding was messed up because the storms. This little baby lizard was sunning himself on a rock...

It looks like a hatchling, about 1 inch long. You can imagine how close I must have had the camera...explaining his worried expression!

This beetle is such a pretty metallic navy blue...he's probably going to eat my plants, but I thought he was quite pretty!

My mourning doves are kind of funny. They always seem to be following me, or sneaking up...and then they look shocked and horrified when I see them. A few of the males seem a little less flighty. I call this guy "Bert". Bert is always around, I don't know if it is the same Bert each time, but since he is getting tamer, maybe he is.

He has such a pretty iridescence on his neck! I needed to fix something right where he was and unfortunately startled him. He flew up into the air, circled, and landed almost right behind me. I could feel the air from his wings on my legs. I didn't look at him, but he seemed to rethink his landing zone and took off again. Crazy bird!

My calladium is blooming. I forget that they have pretty interesting flowers in addition to their beautiful leaves. They kind of remind me of Jack-in-the-pulpits.

I hope the rains aren't QUITE as bad as last night, a nice quick shower would be about perfect!

My moonflower vines seemed to grow 5 inches overnight....it is exciting to watch them grow. I can't wait until they bloom!!!

De-Vine Addictions or Passionflower Passions?

hummingbird3172 — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 17:05:52 -0400

Author: hummingbird3172
Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 9:05 pm (GMT 0)

I am so pleased! I just found purple moonflower seeds on ebay! I've been wanting some and searching all over. While I was there I also found auctions for other types of passionflower:

Love In A Mist

Blue

Banana Passion

Golden Apple

Be still my heart!

I've already planted so many vines. I like the idea of training vines over less than impressive trees and plants too. My boxwood will soon be wearing a lovely gown of Grandpa Ott Morning Glories:

I just can't get enough of vines! I've got:

Mandevilla
Asiatic Jasmine
confederate Jasmine
Cathedral Bells (Purple AND white seedlings)
cardinal vine
heavenly blue morning glories
Grandpa Ott's Morning glories
purple passionflower
white moonflower
pink trumpet vine
chocolate vine (just planted)
Coral Vine (Queen's Wreath, Love Vine--just planted)
Banana Passionflower (just planted)

Most are in shades of purple, pink, or white...save the cardinal vine and heavenly blue.

I think one big attraction is that they grow relatively quickly and you can actually see a little difference each day. Every time I see a new (to me) type I get really excited.

I saw a magnolia vine...rubra I think, with these lovely red flowers...absolutely luscious! That will probably be next on my "list".

I really need to control my ebaying, but at least seeds are fairly inexpensive!

A Little of this...a little of that....

hummingbird3172 — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 14:32:35 -0400

Author: hummingbird3172
Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 6:32 pm (GMT 0)

I think this is one of the prettiest flowering vines! I love Mandevilla! The flowers are quite long lasting too! We bought two of these vines to put in the planters by our pool and this pink is so striking beside the blue of the pool water. It has also been so obliging about climbing the trellis. I've added some white moonflowers and the vine is starting to intermingle with the mandevilla...I think the white flowers will look so pretty with the pink.

Our little moonflower vines continue their climb up the fence. We have 7 planted and all are near 2 ft high. I can even see some tiny flower buds starting to show. One of my passionflower cuttings has rooted nicely enough to go into this area too....so that means some day this fence will be covered with : moonflowers, cobaea scandens (cathedral bells), passionflower, chocolate vine, coral vine, and trumpet vine....it is a long fence so this is possible. I am hoping ot always have something blooming with this plan.

These are the plumeria cuttings I got from my Grandma's house. She has a red plumeria so I got a cutting for my mother-in-law, who has a cutting of white...I thought she might like to have the red. I am partial to the white, which my Grandma didn't have....BUT her 90 year old neighbor does....so do you know what my 85 year old Grandma did? She went right over and pilfered a cutting for me. She says my Grandpa planted that plant anyway and that the neighbor wouldn't even notice. I think there is something about stealing plants that really appeals to my Grandma.

I need start out right now by saying that my first hypertuffa experience did NOT go well. I am not sure exactly what went wrong but the mix did not cling together well. It didn't help that I wanted to make a bowl shaped planter using my huge exercise ball...not good. I got desperate and dug a hole and tried to use that as a mold but I am not optimistic.

On the upside, one of my bowling balls is ready grout, and the other just needs a very small amount of gems and it will be ready. I will do both at once--hopefully it will go BETTER than the hypertufa. I haven't given up, because I know I'll get it right, I just hate to make a big mess with nothing to show for it.

I think I've decided what to do for my "pergola hanging baskets". I am going to use sweet potato vine coming out through the bottom (because it will be free), because of the pretty shades of pink and green, and impatients in the top (because they like shade and are available), because the come in so many pretty colors. My hanging baskets out front aren't too shabby, but kind of a crazy mishmash of plants:

I didn't even realize the calladiums were there!

I redid my windchimes...it seems I forgot to create a "sail" to help catch the wind. I noticed they were awfully quiet. I rubber stamped them with silver leaves to give them a pit more zip. I am very glad that I did...MUCH better!

I was actually pleased to see this cicada. He (she?) was just shedding it's shell. I remember collecting those empty shells off of trees when I was a little kid. It has been a long time since I've seen any so this guy was a nice little bit of nostalgia. He was such a good sport about having his picture taken too!

These baby grackles were visiting the cat (bird) food bowl. The birds wait every morning for cat to finish and then swoop in. They get kind of impatient, it gets to be like a scene from "The Birds" and the cat starts feeling a little too much like Tippi Hendren.

Now, I need to contemplate a better hypertufa plan of action,so if anyone has any advice please feel free to share!